Amentum Wins $995 Million Contract to Modernize MQ9 Reaper Fleet

Amentum Secures Major Air Force Contract to Modernize MQ-9 Reaper Fleet

In a significant move to bolster U.S. air power, Amentum (NYSE: AMTM) has been awarded a substantial contracts by the U.S. Air Force, positioning the company at the forefront of modernizing the nation’s unmanned aerial capabilities. The Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with a ceiling of up to $995 million over a five-year period, tasks Amentum with providing comprehensive maintenance and modernization support for the MQ-9 Reaper fleet. This initiative underscores the strategic importance of the MQ-9, a cornerstone of U.S. intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike operations.

The MQ-9 Reaper, a multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted Drones (RPA), has been a critical asset in global military operations for years. Its ability to perform both persistent surveillance and targeted strikes makes it indispensable. However, as technology and threats evolve, the need to upgrade and maintain this vital platform is paramount. This contract is not merely about routine upkeep; it represents a focused effort to enhance the Reaper’s combat readiness, integrate advanced technologies, and ensure its continued dominance in complex operational environments. Amentum’s role will be pivotal in deploying specialized personnel and innovative solutions to support the fleet both within the United States and at various global locations.

The agreement with the Air Force Air Combat Command highlights a broader trend in defense strategy: investing in the longevity and technological superiority of proven unmanned systems. By focusing on modernization, the Air Force aims to ensure the MQ-9 fleet can adapt to new challenges and incorporate next-generation capabilities. For Amentum, a company with a deep history in unmanned aerial systems, this contract solidifies its position as a key partner in maintaining the nation’s military edge. The work will involve everything from weapons loading to implementing advanced ground equipment solutions, all geared towards enhancing the operational excellence of the Reaper fleet.

Enhancing a formidable Force: The Scope of the Contract

The core of this agreement revolves around a comprehensive modernization and maintenance program designed to keep the MQ-9 Reaper at the peak of its operational capabilities. The contract’s IDIQ structure provides the Air Force with the flexibility to order a wide range of services as needed, up to the nearly billion-dollar ceiling. This approach allows for a dynamic response to emerging requirements and technological opportunities over the next five years. Amentum will be responsible for organizational-level maintenance, which includes pre- and post-flight inspections, scheduled servicing, and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready at all times.

Amentum’s responsibilities extend far beyond basic maintenance. The company will deploy specialized teams to manage weapons loading and provide sophisticated aerospace ground equipment solutions. This work will support both combat and training missions, ensuring that pilots and support crews are prepared for real-world scenarios. The contract covers operations at numerous U.S. Air Force bases, including locations in Nevada, South Carolina, and Missouri, as well as overseas sites, reflecting the global footprint of the MQ-9 fleet.

A key aspect of the modernization effort is the implementation of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). This strategy is designed to enable faster and more flexible integration of new hardware and Software, preventing vendor lock-in and allowing for rapid capability enhancements. Upgrades are expected to focus on improved sensor technology, enhanced satellite communications, and greater Automation, such as the Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC), which increases operational flexibility and safety.

“Amentum’s unmanned aerial solutions are designed to ensure the MQ-9 Reaper remains a formidable force in complex, dynamic environments,” stated Mark Walter, president of Amentum’s Engineering and Technology business. “Our experience delivering enhanced mission capabilities and MQ-9 unique operational constructs, such as Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR), offers innovative versatility and efficiency to meet the U.S. Air-Forces‘s evolving and dynamic mission needs.”

A Legacy of Expertise in Unmanned Systems

Amentum’s selection for this critical contract is rooted in its extensive experience with unmanned aerial systems. The company’s lineage includes work on the predecessors of the MQ-9, such as the MQ-1 Predator and the RQ-4 Global Hawk. This long history has provided Amentum with deep technical knowledge and operational proficiency in the systems that underpin the Reaper’s capabilities. Mark Evans, Amentum’s Senior Vice President of Modernization and Training, emphasized this legacy, stating that it positions the company uniquely to enhance the MQ-9’s operational excellence.

The MQ-9 Reaper itself is a testament to advanced aeronautical engineering. Powered by a Honeywell turboprop engine, it can reach speeds of up to 300 mph and operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. Its impressive endurance of over 27 hours allows for persistent ISR missions, providing critical intelligence to commanders on the ground. Furthermore, its ability to carry a significant payload, including Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs, makes it a potent “hunter-killer” platform.

The strategic importance of modernizing such a platform cannot be overstated. As global military drone markets continue to grow, driven by a demand for advanced ISR and counter-terrorism capabilities, ensuring the technological superiority of assets like the MQ-9 is a top priority. This contract reflects a commitment to not only maintaining the current fleet but also evolving it to meet the challenges of future conflicts. The focus on open architecture and rapid software updates is indicative of a shift towards more agile and adaptable military technology.

Conclusion: The Future of Unmanned Aerial Dominance

The partnership between Amentum and the U.S. Air Force on this $995 million contract marks a pivotal chapter in the operational lifecycle of the MQ-9 Reaper. It is a clear signal of the enduring strategic value of this unmanned platform and a proactive step towards future-proofing its capabilities. By focusing on comprehensive maintenance and advanced modernization, the Air Force is ensuring that the Reaper will remain a decisive tool for intelligence gathering and precision strikes for years to come. Amentum’s deep-seated expertise in unmanned systems makes it a logical and capable partner for this ambitious undertaking.

Looking ahead, the implications of this contract extend beyond the immediate readiness of the MQ-9 fleet. The emphasis on Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and rapid technological integration points to a broader evolution in defense procurement and sustainment. This approach fosters innovation, encourages competition, and ultimately delivers more capable and resilient systems to the warfighter. As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, the ability to quickly adapt and upgrade platforms like the MQ-9 will be a critical determinant of military effectiveness. This contract is not just an investment in an Military-Aircraft; it is an investment in a more agile and technologically superior Air Force.

FAQ

Question: What is the total value of the contract awarded to Amentum?
Answer: The contract is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling value of up to $995 million over a five-year period.

Question: What is the primary purpose of the contract?
Answer: The contract is for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Maintenance Support, focusing on the modernization and sustainment of the U.S. Air Force’s MQ-9 Reaper fleet to ensure combat readiness and support training capabilities.

Question: What are the key capabilities of the MQ-9 Reaper?
Answer: The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft. Its primary missions are intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strikes. It has an endurance of over 27 hours, can operate at up to 50,000 feet, and can carry a variety of munitions, including Hellfire missiles and Paveway bombs.

Sources

• businesswire.com